SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new bill in Springfield could ban the sale of DIY machine guns in Illinois.
The proposal would prohibit the future sale of semi-automatic handguns that can be easily converted into fully automatic weapons using switches.
Switches are illegal under state and federal law, but the devices are still widely available and found at many crime scenes.
Sponsors and advocates said it is time to close the loophole and hold gun manufacturers accountable.
"It's not just about Chicago. We're seeing these incidents all throughout the state," said Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago). "In 2023, a 19-year-old outside of East St. Louis was charged with illegally trafficking switches from China to St. Clair County. In Peoria, teenagers have been arrested for possessing and trafficking 3D printed switches."
The Illinois State Rifle Association said this plan will harm law-abiding citizens instead of addressing people committing crimes. Lobbyist Ed Sullivan stressed Glock is one of the leading firearm manufacturers in the world.
"You're going to actually hurt communities that rely on this firearm for its ease of use and its simplicity to protect themselves," Sullivan said.
House Bill 4471 is assigned to the House Firearm Violence Prevention Committee. The deadline to pass House bills out of committee is March 27.
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